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Chicago Bulls: 5 Ways Derrick Rose Can Lead Team To Conference Finals

By Jake Hyman

Feb 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

He runs the show

The IQ Rose flashes manning the ball for the Bulls transcends Irving’s awareness at the point. Similar to how LeBron called his own name in the game-winner Sunday, Rose has to rely on his high-caliber awareness on both ends of the floor to get back the series lead. In Game 4, Cleveland’s rotation on the perimeter allowed J.R. Smith to heat up. As the point guard and leader, understanding player’s tendencies is a facet necessary to counteract the opposition’s strengths. J.R. Smith, after Game 4, has taken threes on 70 percent of his looks from the field.

If the coach isn’t solving the threat on the field, the leader needs to step up and relay the information to the wings to lock down on the perimeter instead of sagging off Smith. In a more hostile environment away from Chicago, it is imperative Rose reins in his Bulls and nullifies the raucous crowd.

The playmaking abilities he offers as an elite PG also need to show up in order for Chicago to return home with the advantage. With 49 attempts from the field in the last two games, Rose has been asked to carry the team. Game 5 should see the phenom create for others like Butler and Mirotic.

The more options Chicago can go to in the half court, the greater chance they can eclipse the 100-point mark for the first time in the series.

Next: Get the Bigs Reacclimated

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